Awards & Grants Descriptions

AAMC Award for Distinguished Research in the Biomedical Sciences

The nominee’s research contributions have resulted in significant or novel discoveries.
The nominee’s research discoveries have advanced a scientific paradigm.
The nominee’s research discoveries have the potential to lead to, or have already led to, significant benefits to human health and well-being (either by the nominee directly or by others who may be or have been enabled by the nominee’s foundational discoveries).
The nominee demonstrates contributions to biomedical research beyond their own work (e.g., mentoring, review panels, task forces, editorial boards).
The nominee demonstrates standards of professional ethics and scientific integrity.

Nominees should demonstrate excellence in all criteria listed above.
Individuals or teams of two individuals may be nominated. All nominees must have a faculty appointment at AAMC-member medical schools or health systems, but rank is not a criterion for this award.

Deadline: January
Prize: $10,000
Previous UT Southwestern awardees: None

Albany Medical College Prize in Medicine

The Albany Medical College Prize in Medicine encourages and recognizes extraordinary and sustained contributions to improving health care and promoting innovative biomedical research.

Deadline: March
Prize: $500,000
Previous UT Southwestern awardees: Bruce Beutler, M.D. (2009), Michael Brown, M.D. (2003), Joseph Goldstein, M.D. (2003)

Albert Lasker Basic Medical Research Award

The Albert Lasker Basic Medical Research Award is for a fundamental discovery that opens up a new area of biomedical science.

Deadline: February
Prize: $250,000
Previous UT Southwestern awardees: Zhijian "James" Chen, Ph.D. (2024), Alfred Gilman, M.D., Ph.D. (1989), Michael Brown, M.D. (1985), Joseph Goldstein, M.D. (1985)

Blavatnik National Awards for Young Scientists - Chemical Sciences

The Blavatnik National Awards honor America’s most innovative young faculty-rank scientists and engineers. These awards celebrate the past accomplishments and future potential of young faculty members working in the three disciplinary categories of Life Sciences, Physical Sciences & Engineering, and Chemical Sciences.

Special Eligibility: Nominees should be 42 years of age or younger
Deadline: November-December
Prize: $250,000 for 1 Laureate, $15,000 for each of the 5 Finalists
Previous UT Southwestern awardees: None

Blavatnik National Awards for Young Scientists - Life Science

Blavatnik National Awards for Young Scientists - Physical Sciences & Engineering

Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences

The Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences honors transformative advances toward understanding living systems and extending human life.

Deadline: April
Prize: $3,000,000
Previous UT Southwestern awardees: Zhijian "James" Chen, Ph.D. (2019), Helen Hobbs, M.D. (2016)

Canada Gairdner International Award

This award recognizes and rewards international excellence in fundamental research that impacts human health. Annually, eight awards are given: five Canada Gairdner International Awards for biomedical research, one John Dirks Canada Gairdner Global Health Award, specifically for impact on global health issues, and two Canada Gairdner Momentum Awards, recognizing mid-career Canadian investigators.

Deadline: October
Prize: None
Previous UT Southwestern awardees: None

Developmental Biology - The Edwin G. Conklin Medal

Awarded annually by the Society for Developmental Biology (SDB) to recognize a developmental biologist who has made and is continuing to make extraordinary research contributions to the field, and is an excellent mentor who has helped train the next generation of outstanding scientists.

Deadline: December
Prize: $2,000, lecture at the SDB Annual Meeting
Previous UT Southwestern awardees: Eric Olson (2019)

Developmental Biology - Viktor Hamburger Outstanding Educator Prize

Honors individuals who have made outstanding and innovative contributions to teaching and learning. These contributions will be considered in the broadest context and may reflect impact on education at any level.

Deadline: December
Prize: $2,000, lecture at the SDB Annual Meeting
Previous UT Southwestern awardees: None

Developmental Biology - Society for Developmental Biology Lifetime Achievement Award

To a senior developmental biologist in recognition of her/his outstanding and sustained contributions in the field, exceptional mentoring and service to the scientific community. Typically, the award is given during the third trimester of the recipient's career, to allow sufficient time to assess the impact of his/her contributions to the community as a whole. Must be nominated by 2 SDB members.

Deadline: December
Prize: $2,000, lecture at the SDB Annual Meeting
Previous UT Southwestern awardees: None

Developmental Biology - Elizabeth D. Hay New Investigator Award

Recognizes new investigators who have performed outstanding research in developmental biology during the early stages of their independent careers. The award is open to pre-tenure stage investigators (assistant professor rank) at the time of nomination. Nominees are evaluated based on their independence from mentors, as well as the originality, significance, and impact of their research on the broader field of developmental biology. Must be nominated by one SDB member in good standing.

Deadline: December
Prize: $2,000 and lecture at the SDB Annual Meeting
Previous UT Southwestern awardees: None

Dickson Prize in Medicine

The Dickson Prize in Medicine is awarded annually to a leading American investigator who is engaged in innovative, paradigm-shifting biomedical research. The Dickson Prize is for investigators who are at especially productive points in their careers and whose research is, or will be, so influential that it deserves major recognition.

Deadline: October
Prize: $50,000, Lecture at University of Pittsburgh
Previous UT Southwestern awardees: None

Edward Scolnick Prize in Neuroscience

The Scolnick Prize is awarded annually by the McGovern Institute to recognize outstanding advances in the field of neuroscience.

Deadline: December
Prize: $200,000, Lecture at MIT
Previous UT Southwestern awardees: None

Edwin B. Astwood Award

This award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of endocrinology via their outstanding basic science research. Nominees do not have to be a member of the Endocrine Society but must be nominated by members of Endocrine Society

Deadline: January
Prize: $150,000
Previous UT Southwestern awardees: David Mangelsdorf, Ph.D., and Steven Kliewer, Ph.D. (2025)

FASEB (Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology) Excellence in Science Award, Lifetime Achievement (established investigators)

Recognizes established investigators for their significant contributions. Must be nominated by current members of a FASEB Full Member Society.

Contributes to the broader scientific community (e.g., leadership roles, university service, public outreach)
Training of students and postdoctoral fellows
Scientific achievements, including landmark discoveries and high-impact publications and scientific leadership

Special Eligibility: Nominees must be woman scientists who are current members of a FASEB Full Member Society
Deadline: December
Prize: $5,000
Previous UT Southwestern awardees: Ellen S. Vitetta, PhD (1991)

FASEB (Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology) Excellence in Science Award, Mid-Career Investigator

Mid-Career Investigator (within 7-15 years of first independent scientist position). Must be nominated by current members of a FASEB Full Member Society

Impacts the career development of others through mentorship and teaching
Participates in university service, professional organizations, or community outreach
Scientific achievements, including landmark discoveries and high-impact publications.

Special Eligibility: Nominees must be woman scientists who are current members of a FASEB Full Member Society, and within 7 to 15 years of first independent scientist position
Deadline: December
Prize: $5,000
Previous UT Southwestern awardees: None

FASEB (Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology) Excellence in Science Award, Early-Career Investigator

Early-Career Investigator (within 7 years of first independent scientist position). Must be nominated by current members of a FASEB Full Member Society.

Notable scientific achievements
Develops unique research/education tools or programs
Demonstrates leadership in interdisciplinary research/education

Special Eligibility: Nominees must be woman scientists who are current members of a FASEB Full Member Society, and within 7 years of first independent scientist position
Deadline: December
Prize: $5,000
Previous UT Southwestern awardees: None

Gagna & Van Heck Prize for Incurable Diseases

This prize of € 75,000, awarded by the Fund for Scientific Research (F.R.S.-FNRS, Belgian Research Funding Agency), is a triennial and international prize, intended to reward a scientist or a medical doctor, in recognition of a research work which has contributed to the treatment of a disease currently incurable, or which has raised hope. Every 3 years. Last two in 2021 and 2024. Next one is likely to open in October 2026 and due in January 2027.

Deadline: January
Prize: € 75,000
Previous UT Southwestern awardees: None

Gruber – Genetics

The Genetics Prize is presented to a leading scientist, or up to three, in recognition of groundbreaking contributions to any realm of genetics research.

Deadline: December
Prize: $500,000
Previous UT Southwestern awardees: None

Gruber – Neuroscience

The Neuroscience Prize honors scientists for major discoveries that have advanced the understanding of the nervous system.

Special Eligibility: must be nominated by a neuroscientist
Deadline: December
Prize: $500,000
Previous UT Southwestern awardee: Joseph Takahashi, Ph.D. (2019)

Harrington Prize for Innovation in Medicine

The Harrington Prize for Innovation in Medicine, presented by the American Society for Clinical Investigation and Harrington Discovery Institute, honors a physician-scientist who has moved science forward with achievements notable for innovation, creativity and potential for clinical application.

Special Eligibility: nominee must be MD or MD/PhD
Deadline: September
Prize: $20,000; published essay in Journal of Clinical Investigation; lecture at AAP-ASCI-APSA
Previous UT Southwestern awardee: Helen Hobbs, M.D. (2018)

Heineken Prize in Biochemistry and Biophysics

This award recognizes internationally leading scientists for their pioneering work and research excellence in biochemistry and biophysics. All laureates of the prize have contributed to cutting-edge research that has great potential to positively impact people’s lives worldwide, inspire young researchers, and promote knowledge valorization and effective scientific communication.

Deadline: December, biennially even years
Prize: $250,000
Previous UT Southwestern awardees: None

Heineken Prize in Medicine

This award recognizes internationally leading scientists for their pioneering work and research excellence in medicine. All laureates of the prize have contributed to cutting-edge research that has great potential to positively impact people’s lives worldwide, inspire young researchers, and promote knowledge valorization and effective scientific communication.

Deadline: December, biennially even years
Prize: $250,000
Previous UT Southwestern awardees: None

Howard Taylor Ricketts Prize

The Howard Taylor Ricketts Prize is given annually in recognition of outstanding accomplishments in any area of biomedical and biological sciences. It was established by the Ricketts family in 1912 in honor of Howard Taylor Ricketts, a pathologist at the University of Chicago who discovered the cause of Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

The prize is traditionally awarded after a public lecture on the University of Chicago campus in May of every year.

Deadline: January
Prize: $50,000
Previous UT Southwestern awardees: Helen Hobbs, M.D. (2022)

Innovators in Science Award

The Innovators in Science Award is a prestigious honor established in 2016 by the New York Academy of Sciences (NYAS) and sponsored by Takeda Pharmaceuticals. This award recognizes exceptional research contributions in biomedicine, celebrating both a promising early-career scientist and an outstanding senior scientist. Each institution may submit up to two (2) nominations per Award cycle, one (1) for an Early-Career Scientist and one (1) for a Senior Scientist in the single therapeutic area of focus for that Award cycle. More or fewer than 10 years. As of 2024, the Innovators in Science Award is no longer administered by the New York Academy of Sciences (NYAS). The Academy announced that it has paused its involvement in the program to review and refresh its structure.

Deadline: The program has been paused for a review and refresh, and there is no confirmed timeline for its relaunch.
Prize: $200,000
Previous UT Southwestern awardees: None

Jacob and Louise Gabbay Award in Biotechnology and Medicine

Recognize, as early as possible in their careers, scientists in academia, medicine or industry whose work had outstanding scientific content and significant practical consequences in the biomedical sciences.

Deadline: February
Prize: $15,000
Previous UT Southwestern awardees: None

Japan Prize in Life Science and Medicine

The award honors scientists and researchers from around the world, recognizing individuals who have contributed significantly to the peace and prosperity of humankind through original and outstanding achievements that have greatly advanced the progress of science and technology. Each year, it is awarded for achievements in two fields, which are selected by considering recent developments in science and technology.

Every November, the Field Selection Committee of The Japan Prize Foundation designates and announces the two fields in which the Japan Prize will be awarded two years hence. At the same time, the Foundation invites 15,500 prominent scientists and researchers around the world to nominate candidates online through the Japan Prize Nomination System.

Deadline: January
Prize: a certificate of merit, a prize medal, and prize of 100 million yen
Previous UT Southwestern awardees: None

Kavli Prize in Neuroscience

The purpose of The Kavli Prize is to recognize outstanding scientific research, honor highly creative scientists, promote public understanding of scientists and their work, and foster international cooperation among scientists. The Kavli Prizes are awarded in three areas: astrophysics, nanoscience and neuroscience.

Deadline: every other year, open call for nominations from July to October of each odd year.
Prize: $1 million
Previous UT Southwestern awardees: None

King Faisal Prize in Medicine

Each fall, the prize theme is announced, focusing on pressing global health challenges. 2025: Cellular Therapy. 2024: Management of Peripheral Disabilities.

Deadline: March 31
Prize: $200,000
Previous UT Southwestern awardees: None

King Faisal Prize in Science

Scientific fields are selected on a rotating basis and announced each fall. The rotation includes Mathematics (2022), Chemistry (2023), Biology (2024), and Physics (2025).

Deadline: March
Prize: $200,000
Previous UT Southwestern awardees: None

Kyoto Prize

The Kyoto Prize is an international award to honor those who have contributed significantly to the scientific, cultural, and spiritual betterment of humankind. The Prize is presented annually in each of the following three categories: Advanced Technology, Basic Sciences, and Arts and Philosophy. Candidates for the Kyoto Prize are nominated by official Kyoto Prize nominators, who are selected annually by the Inamori Foundation from among recognized domestic and international authorities.

Deadline: None
Prize: a diploma, a Kyoto Prize medal, and prize money of 100 million yen
Previous UT Southwestern awardees: None

Lasker-DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award

The Lasker-DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award is for a major advance that improves the lives of many thousands of people.

Deadline: February
Prize: $250,000
Previous UT Southwestern awardees: None

Lewis S. Rosenstiel Award for Distinguished Work in Basic Medical Research

The Lewis S. Rosenstiel Award for Distinguished Work in Basic Medical Research was established as an expression of the conviction that educational institutions have an important role to play in the encouragement and development of basic science as it applies to medicine. The Award is presented annually by Brandeis University to researchers for recent discoveries of particular originality and importance to basic medical research.

Deadline: August
Prize: cash prize; medallion
Previous UT Southwestern awardees: None

Lombardy Is Research

The International “Lombardia è Ricerca” Award, presented biennially by Italy’s Lombardy Region, a government body, is a prestigious prize recognizing groundbreaking scientific discoveries in Life Sciences, with a unique theme every two years. For instance, the 2023 theme was “Innovative Models of Care, Therapy, and Prevention,” while 2025 focuses on “Early Diagnosis and Preventive Medicine.” It seeks transformative research with high translational impact, advancing knowledge and improving lives through new treatments, technologies, or policies. Applicants must have an h-index of ≥ 50, and for the first time can self-nominate, submitting a translational research project to be conducted in Lombardy. The prize is split with 30% going directly to the laureate(s) and 70% allocated to their proposed project to be implemented locally.

Deadline: July, every 2 years, next one due July 2027
Prize: €1 million.
Previous UT Southwestern awardees: None

Louisa Gross Horwitz Prize

The Louisa Gross Horwitz Prize for Biology or Biochemistry is awarded by Columbia University to a researcher or group of researchers for their outstanding basic research in biology or biochemistry.

Deadline: February
Prize: Honorarium not stated, citation
Previous UT Southwestern awardees: Michael Brown, M.D. (1984), Joseph Goldstein, M.D. (1984), Alfred G. Gilman, M.D. Ph. D. (1989), Zhijian "James" Chen, Ph.D. (2023)

Lurie Prize in Biomedical Sciences

The Lurie Prize is a major scientific award recognizing outstanding achievement by promising scientists aged 52 or younger.

Special Eligibility: The nominee must be 52 or younger
Deadline: January
Prize: $100,000
Previous UT Southwestern awardees: Zhijian “James” Chen, PhD (2018)

Marion Spencer Fay Award

Outstanding woman physician and/or scientist who has made an exceptionally significant contribution to health care as a practitioner, medical educator, administrator and/or research scientist and who exhibits significant future potential.

Special Eligibility: The nominee must be female
Deadline: March
Prize: $10,000
Previous UT Southwestern awardees: None

Merkin Prize in Biomedical Technology

The Richard N. Merkin Prize in Biomedical Technology recognizes pathbreaking technologies that are demonstrably improving human health and the key individuals who contributed to their development. The prize illuminates the important work taking place across multiple disciplines, and in doing so supports and inspires continued innovation. The Merkin Prize annually recognizes one specific technology. Nominations for multiple technologies or for a nominee’s aggregated body of work are ineligible. Each nomination must specify and convincingly describe the technology’s clinical impact. Technologies that are in either pre-clinical or clinical-trial phases of development are not eligible for the prize.

Deadline: December
Prize: $400,000
Previous UT Southwestern awardees: None

Michelson Philanthropies and Science Prize

The Michelson Philanthropies and Science Prize for Immunology is awarded by the Michelson Philanthropies in association with Science magazine for an early career researcher.

Special eligibility: Nominees must be 35 years old or younger.
Deadline: October
Prize: $30,000 grand prize, 2 x $10,000 runner-up prizes
Previous UT Southwestern awardees: None

NAS Award in Molecular Biology

The NAS Award in Molecular Biology is supported by Pfizer Inc. and recognizes a recent notable discovery by a young scientist. Nominators may not nominate individuals from their home institution.

Special Eligibility: The nominee must be 50 or younger, a citizen of the United States
Deadline: October
Prize: $25,000 and a medal
Previous UT Southwestern awardees: James Chen, 2012, McKnight 1991, Sudhof, 1997, Xiaodong Wang, 2004

NAS Award in Chemical Sciences

The NAS Award in Chemical Sciences is presented annually to honor innovative research in the chemical sciences that contributes to a better understanding of the natural sciences and to the benefit of humanity. Nominators may not nominate individuals from their home institution.

Special Eligibility: The nominee must be 50 or younger, a citizen of the United States
Deadline: October
Prize: $15,000 and a medal
Previous UT Southwestern awardees: None

NAS Kovalenko Medal

The Jessie Stevenson Kovalenko Medal is awarded every two years for outstanding research in the medical sciences. The Kovalenko Fund, gifted by Michael S. Kovalenko in 1949 to the National Academy of Science in memory of his wife, Jessie Stevenson Kovalenko, was specifically designed to recognize the achievements made to the medical sciences and, over the past 70 years, has honored many outstanding contributors. Nominators may not nominate individuals from their home institution.

Special Eligibility:
Deadline: October, every 2 years
Prize: $25,000 award, and an additional $50,000 for research
Previous UT Southwestern awardees: None

NAS Neuroscience Award

The NAS Award in the Neurosciences is awarded every three years to recognize extraordinary contributions to the progress of the neuroscience fields, including neurochemistry, neurophysiology, neuropharmacology, developmental neuroscience, neuroanatomy, and behavioral and clinical neuroscience.

Special Eligibility:
Deadline: October, every 3 years
Prize: $25,000
Previous UT Southwestern awardees: None

NAS Pradel Research Award

The Pradel Research Award is presented annually to recognize mid-career neuroscientists whose work is making major contributions to our understanding of the nervous system. The award is presented with a $50,000 research award to designate to an institution of the recipient’s choice to support neuroscience research.

Special Eligibility: N/A
Deadline: October
Prize: $50,000
Previous UT Southwestern awardees: None

NAS Richard Lounsbery Award

The Richard Lounsbery Award is a $75,000 prize given in alternate years by the National Academy of Sciences and the French Académie des Sciences, to young (no older than 45) French and American scientists to recognize extraordinary scientific achievement in biology and medicine. In addition to honoring scientific excellence, the award is intended to stimulate research and encourage reciprocal scientific exchanges between the United States and France.

Special Eligibility: The nominee must be 45 years of age or younger
Deadline: October, every 2 years. The next award is scheduled for 2027, with the nomination deadline October 2026
Prize: $75,000
Previous UT Southwestern awardees: Michael Brown, M.D. (1979), Joseph Goldstein, M.D. (1979), Al Gilman (1987), Xiaodong Wang (2007)

NAS Selman A. Waksman Award in Microbiology

The Selman A. Waksman Award in Microbiology is presented biennially by the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) to recognize significant contributions to the field of microbiology.

Special Eligibility: N/A
Deadline: October
Prize: $20,000
Previous UT Southwestern awardees: None

NAS Troland Research Award

Two Troland Research Awards are given annually to recognize unusual achievement by early-career researchers. The Troland Research Award was established by a trust created in 1931 by the bequest of Leonard T. Troland. Nominators may not nominate individuals from their home institution.

Special Eligibility: Nominees should be early-career researchers (preferably 45 years of age or younger) and to further empirical research within the broad spectrum of experimental psychology.
Deadline: October
Prize: $75,000 each
Previous UT Southwestern awardees:

Nemmers Prize in Medical Science

The Nemmers Prize is awarded for achievement and work of lasting significance in the field of medical science.

Special eligibility: Nominees must be a physician
Deadline: November. Prize nominations are solicited in odd years with awards conferred in the even year thereafter.
Prize: $350,000
Previous UT Southwestern awardees: None

Norman Hackerman Award in Chemical Research (The Welch Foundation)

The Welch Foundation's Norman Hackerman Award in Chemical Research was established to recognize the accomplishments of chemical scientists in Texas who are in their early careers and to serve as an encouragement to those who are embarking on careers dedicated to increasing our fundamental understanding of chemistry.

Special eligibility: A nominee must have spent the most recent three years conducting chemical research in Texas and within 10 years of their initial appointment as an assistant professor
Deadline: September
Prize: $100,000
Previous UT Southwestern awardees: Ryan Hibbs, Ph.D. (2022), Vincent S. Tagliabracci, Ph.D. (2020), Uttam K. Tambar, Ph.D. (2019), Neal M. Alto, Ph.D. (2017), Benjamin Tu, Ph.D. (2014), Kim Orth, Ph.D. (2010), and Zhijian “James” Chen, Ph.D. (2005), Xiaodong Wang, Ph. D., 2003

Ogawa-Yamanaka Stem Cell Prize from the Gladstone

The Ogawa-Yamanaka Stem Cell Prize recognizes individuals whose original translational research has advanced cellular reprogramming technology for regenerative medicine. The entire body of a nominee’s work will be considered.

Deadline: June
Prize: $150,000
Previous UT Southwestern awardees: None

Passano Award

The Passano Award and honorarium will be given to an established investigator in recognition of his or her research, which leads to clinical medical applications.

Deadline: November
Prize: $50,000
Previous UT Southwestern awardees: Doujia Pan, Ph.D. (2022), Helen Hobbs, M.D. (2016), Jonathan Cohen, Ph.D. (2016), Eric Olson, Ph.D. (2012), Michael Brown, M.D. (1978), Joseph Goldstein, M.D. (1978)

Paul Ehrlich & Ludwig Darmstaedter Prize

The Paul Ehrlich and Ludwig Darmstaedter Prize numbers among the most prestigious distinctions awarded in Germany in the field of medical science. The prize is traditionally conferred on Paul Ehrlich's birthday, 14 March, in St. Paul's Church, Frankfurt. The prize honours scientists who have made special contributions in areas of research represented by Paul Ehrlich's achievements, namely in immunology, cancer research, haematology, microbiology and chemotherapy.

Deadline: September
Prize: €120,000 (status as of 2023)
Previous UT Southwestern awardees: James Chen (2024)

Paul Marks Prize for Cancer Research

The Paul Marks Prize for Cancer Research recognizes a new generation of leaders in cancer research who are making significant contributions to the understanding of cancer or are improving the treatment of the disease through basic or clinical research. The prize is awarded to up to three investigators every other year.

Special eligibility: Nominees must be 50 years old or younger.
Deadline: April. For the odd-year Paul Marks Prize, the nomination deadline would be in April of the previous year
Prize: $150,000, present at a scientific symposium at Memorial Sloan Kettering
Previous UT Southwestern awardees: Xiaodong Wang, Ph. D., 2001, Ralph DeBerardinis, M.D., Ph.D. (2021), Joshua Mendell, M.D., Ph.D. (2019), Duojia (DJ) Pan, Ph.D. (2013)

Pearl Meister Greenbard Award

The Pearl Meister Greengard Prize, an international award recognizing outstanding women in biomedical research, awarded annually by The Rockefeller University, was established by the late Dr. Paul Greengard, who served as the university’s Vincent Astor Professor, and his wife, the sculptor Ursula von Rydingsvard. Dr. Greengard donated his entire monetary share of the 2000 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine to Rockefeller to establish the annual prize in honor of the accomplishments of women scientists.

Deadline: Check the Award site for update
Prize: $100,000
Previous UT Southwestern awardees: Helen Hobbs, M. D. (2015)

Qiu Shi Science & Technologies Foundation - Outstanding Scientist Award

The “Outstanding Scientist Award” recognizes individuals of Chinese ethnicity who have achieved academic excellence at an international level and have made outstanding contributions to the development of science and technology.

Deadline: July
Prize: HKD 1,000,000
Previous UT Southwestern awardees: Zhijian “James” Chen, Ph.D. (2024)

Robert A. Welch Award in Chemistry

The purpose of The Welch Award in Chemistry is to foster and encourage basic chemical research and to recognize, in a substantial manner, the value of chemical research contributions for the benefit of humankind.

Special eligibility: The award intends to recognize the contributions of an individual who has not previously been recognized in a similar manner.
Deadline: January
Prize: $500,000
Previous UT Southwestern awardees: Steven McKnight, Ph.D. (2020)

Ross Prize in Molecular Medicine

The winner will be an active investigator having produced innovative, paradigm-shifting research that is worthy of significant and broad attention in the field of molecular medicine.

Deadline: November
Prize: $50,000
Previous UT Southwestern awardees: Helen Hobbs, M.D. and Jonathan Cohen, Ph.D. (2023)

Ryman Prize

NZ, The Ryman Prize was awarded for the world’s best discovery, development, advance or achievement that enhances quality of life for older people. The Ryman Prize was awarded in New Zealand but open to anyone, anywhere in the world for work completed on an advance that has been proven to enhance quality of life for older people. The work could include, but not limited to, a mechanical device, a discovery, an invention, a study, a book, an initiative, a proven idea, a completed research project or initiative or any other advance that enhances quality of life for older people. The prize was to reward work done - not for speculative projects. Until 2023, the prize was awarded each year by an international jury appointed by The Ryman Prize Foundation. The Ryman Prize is currently on hold.

Deadline: August. On hold
Prize: NZ$250,000 and a medal
Previous UT Southwestern awardees: None

Shaw Prize

The Shaw Prize honors individuals who have recently achieved distinguished and significant advances, who have made outstanding contributions in academic and scientific research or applications, or who in other domains have achieved excellence.

Deadline: November
Prize: $1,200,000
Previous UT Southwestern awardee: Xiaodong Wang, Ph.D. (2006), Bruce Beutler, M.D. (2011)

Sjoberg Prizes

The Sjöberg Prize is an annual international prize in cancer research awarded to individual researchers or research groups. The prize amounts to one million US dollars, of which $100,000 is the prize sum and $900,000 is funding for future research.

Special Eligibility: Nominees must be 60 years of age or younger
Deadline: May
Prize: $1,000,000.
Previous UT Southwestern awardees: None

Steven C. Beering Award

The Indiana University School of Medicine’s Steven C. Beering Award honors an internationally recognized individual for outstanding research contributions to the advancement of biomedical or clinical science.

Deadline: November
Prize: $25,000
Previous UT Southwestern awardee: Eric Olson, Ph.D. (2012)

Switzer Prize

The Switzer Prize recognizes discoveries in basic research in the biological and biomedical sciences that have the potential to inspire transformative breakthroughs in medicine. The prize is awarded to an individual investigator whose recent work has revealed new paradigms, illuminated biological processes/pathways, or explained the pathophysiology of disease.

Deadline: April
Prize: $25,000
Previous UT Southwestern Awardees: Zhijian (James) Chen, Ph.D. (2019), Eric Olson, Ph.D. (2009)

Tang Prize in Biopharmaceutical Science

The Tang Prize in Biopharmaceutical Science recognizes original biopharmaceutical or biomedical research that has led to significant advances toward preventing, diagnosing and/or treating major human diseases to improve human health.

Deadline: Nominations are accepted from May to September of odd-numbered years, with the winner announced in June of the following even-numbered year.
Prize: $1.63 million, which is divided into a cash prize of $1.3 million and a $330,000 grant to support the laureate's related research endeavors.
Previous UT Southwestern awardees: None

TAMEST Edith and Peter O’Donnell Awards, Biological Science

The Edith and Peter O'Donnell Award is a prestigious honor presented by the Texas Academy of Medicine, Engineering, Science & Technology (TAMEST). It recognizes outstanding achievements by Texas-based researchers in the five fields: Biological Sciences, Medicine, Engineering, Physical Sciences, and Technology Innovation.

Special Eligibility: The nominee must be within 15 years of independence, in Texas
Deadline: May
Prize: $25,000 honorarium, a profile video, and an invitation to present their research at the TAMEST Annual Conference
Previous UT Southwestern awardees: Vincent Tagliabracci, Ph.D. (2024), James J. Collins III, Ph.D. (2023), Benjamin Tu, Ph.D. (2021), Julie Pfeiffer, Ph.D. (2019), Yuh Min Chook, Ph.D. (2025), Youxing Jiang, Ph.D. (2013), Kim Orth, Ph.D. (2011), Rama Ranganathan, Ph.D. (2009), Zhijian “James” Chen, Ph.D. (2007), Michael Rosen, Ph.D. (2006)

TAMEST Edith and Peter O’Donnell Awards, Engineering

TAMEST Edith and Peter O’Donnell Awards, Medicine

Special Eligibility: The nominee must be within 15 years of independence, in Texas
Deadline: May
Prize: $25,000 honorarium, a profile video, and an invitation to present their research at the TAMEST Annual Conference
Previous UT Southwestern awardees: Ralph DeBerardinis, M.D., Ph.D. (2019), Joshua T. Mendell, M.D., Ph.D. (2016), Richard K. Bruick, Ph.D. (2014), Lora V. Hooper, Ph.D. (2013), Philipp E. Scherer, Ph.D. (2012), Beth C. Levine, M.D. (2008), David J. Mangelsdorf, Ph.D. (2007)

TAMEST Edith and Peter O’Donnell Awards, Physical Sciences

TAMEST Edith and Peter O’Donnell Awards, Technology Innovation

Special Eligibility: The nominee must be within 15 years of independence, in Texas, private sector experience
Deadline: May
Prize: $25,000 honorarium, a profile video, and an invitation to present their research at the TAMEST Annual Conference
Previous UT Southwestern awardees: None

TAMEST Mary Beth Maddox Award and Lectureship

The Mary Beth Maddox Award and Lectureship recognizes women scientists in Texas bringing new ideas and innovations to the fight against cancer.

Special Eligibility: The nominee must be within 10 years of their first faculty appointment, female, in Texas, working on cancer
Deadline: September
Prize: $5,000
Previous UT Southwestern awardees: Gerta Hoxhaj, Ph.D. (2025)

Tel Aviv University International Prize in Biophysics

Tel Aviv University International Prize in Biophysics, awarded at Tel-Aviv University (TAU), has been established through the generosity of Dr. Raymond and Mrs. Beverly Sackler. Prizes are awarded each year alternating between Physics and Chemistry. The prize is intended to encourage dedication to science, originality and excellence by rewarding outstanding young scientists. However, the award may currently be on hold due to a controversy surrounding the Sackler name.

Special Eligibility: The nominee must be 45 or younger, working in the areas of Biophysics, Chemistry or Physics
Deadline: October
Prize: $100,000
Previous UT Southwestern awardees: None

The Balzan Prizes

The Balzan Prizes are chosen by the General Prize Committee in two general subject areas: literature, moral sciences, and the arts; and the physical, mathematical, and natural sciences, and medicine. The four Balzan Prizes, two per category, are awarded to scholars, artists, and scientists who have distinguished themselves in their fields on an international level.

The subject areas in which the awards are granted are rotated, and this special characteristic of the Balzan Prize ensures the promotion and recognition of new or emerging fields of study or research that may have been overlooked by other international awards.

In 2001, the Articles of the Balzan Foundation made a stipulation that prizewinners must destine half of the prize to finance research projects that are carried out by young scholars or scientists.

Deadline: March
Prize: Visit the Foundation page to learn more
Previous UT Southwestern awardees: None

Trailblazer Prize for Clinician-Scientists

The Paul-Gallin Trailblazer Prize for Physician-Scientists recognizes the outstanding contributions of early career physician-scientists whose work has the potential to transform patient care.

Special Eligibility: The nominee must be within 10 years of independence, and a clinician-scientists which devotes at least 50% of time in research
Deadline: May
Prize: $100,000
Previous UT Southwestern awardees: None

Vanderbilt Prize in Biomedical Science

The Vanderbilt Prize in Biomedical Science honors and recognizes a female scientist of national reputation who has a stellar record of research accomplishments and is known for her mentorship of women in science.

Special Eligibility: The nominee must be female, must have a national reputation, a stellar record of research accomplishments, and must be an active mentor
Deadline: February
Prize: $25,000
Previous UT Southwestern awardees: None

Warren Alpert Foundation Prize

The Warren Alpert Foundation Prize, in association with Harvard Medical School, recognizes and honors one or more scientists, physicians and researchers whose scientific achievements have led to the prevention, cure, or treatment of human disorders or for seminal research that holds great promise to change our ability to treat disease.

Deadline: November
Prize: $500,000, citation
Previous UT Southwestern awardees: Michael Brown, M.D. (1999), Joseph Goldstein, M.D. (1999)

Warren Triennial Prize

The Warren Triennial Prize is awarded every three years by the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) to honor outstanding contributions in physiology, surgery, or pathological anatomy.

Deadline: November, every 3 years. The 2025 prize was selected in April 2024 and awarded in April 2025
Prize: $25,000
Previous UT Southwestern awardees: None

Wiley Prize in Biomedical Sciences

The Wiley Prize in Biomedical Sciences, awarded by the Wiley Foundation, celebrates research that champions novel approaches and challenges accepted thinking in the biomedical sciences.

Deadline: August
Prize: $50,000
Previous UT Southwestern awardees: Michael Rosen, Ph.D. (2020), Steven McKnight, Ph.D. (2014)

Wolf Prize in Biophysics

The Wolf Prize is awarded annually and honors exceptional individuals who transcend barriers of religion, gender, race, geography, and political stance. In the scientific domain, the awards are conferred in Medicine, Agriculture, Mathematics, Chemistry, and Physics. The Wolf Prize is awarded to outstanding scientists and artists from around the world for achievements in the interest of mankind and friendly relations amongst people. Nomination to the wolf prize is by invitation only. Wish to Submit a Nomination? Please contact the Wolf foundation office: office@wolffund.org.il. Include your full name, title, affiliation, position, and field of research/expertise.

Deadline: October
Prize: $100,000, Diploma, Medal of Honor
Previous UT Southwestern awardees: None